Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET
Canadian Tire Centre, Ottawa, Ontario
TV: ESPN+ (national) | FanDuel Sports Network Detroit (FDSNDET) / Sportsnet Ottawa (regional)
Game Context
The Red Wings hold a strong 33-19-6 record (72 points), placing them 2nd in the Atlantic Division and firmly in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. They boast a balanced attack (172 GF, 18th in NHL) and solid defense (172 GA, 12th), with excellent road play contributing to their positioning. The Senators are 28-22-7 (63 points), sitting 6th in the Atlantic Division and battling for a wild-card spot. They have a slight positive goal differential (+4, 188 GF / 184 GA) but rely heavily on home performance to climb the standings in a competitive division. This Atlantic Division clash is a key four-point game with direct implications for playoff seeding in the East.
Recent Team Forms
Red Wings: Mixed in recent outings before the break, with a 1-1-0 mark in early February games (W 2-0 @ COL on Feb 2; L 1-4 @ UTA on Feb 4). They have been resilient overall but showed vulnerability in their last loss, allowing 4 goals on limited shots. Detroit enters post-Olympic break with strong underlying metrics and motivation to solidify their top-tier standing.
Senators: Coming off a gritty 2-1 OT win over Philadelphia (Feb 5), extending a solid stretch. Ottawa has been competitive at home and opportunistic offensively (Tim Stützle clutch in OT). Their recent form shows defensive improvements in low-scoring affairs, though offense can be streaky without full depth. Both teams return from the Olympic break with fresh legs but potential rust — expect an up-tempo, physical battle early.
Injury Report
Detroit Red Wings
- Simon Edvinsson (D) – Out (lower body; expected to miss this game, indefinite return timeline post-injury)
Ottawa Senators
- David Perron (LW) – Out (groin/hernia; est. return mid-March; 10G/15A in 49 GP)
- Nikolas Matinpalo (D) – Out (undisclosed; day-to-day but ruled out for this matchup)
No major goalie concerns reported; Linus Ullmark (OTT) expected healthy post-break.
Projected Starters & Key Player Matchups
Red Wings (Projected): G (Cam Talbot / John Gibson rotation), D (defensive core minus Edvinsson), forwards Dylan Larkin (captain, playmaking hub), Lucas Raymond (scoring threat), Alex DeBrincat (speed/finishing).
Senators (Projected): G (Linus Ullmark / Anton Forsberg), D (Jake Sanderson, Thomas Chabot), forwards Brady Tkachuk (physical leader), Tim Stützle (dynamic scorer, recent OT hero), Drake Batherson.
Key Matchups
- Dylan Larkin / Lucas Raymond vs. Senators top line (Stützle / Tkachuk): Elite center play and wing speed — whoever controls the middle dictates pace.
- Red Wings power play vs. Senators penalty kill: Detroit’s man-advantage can exploit Ottawa’s occasional discipline issues.
- Brady Tkachuk physicality vs. Detroit defense: Tkachuk’s forecheck and net-front presence tests Detroit’s blue line without Edvinsson.
- Goaltending duel: Both sides have capable starters; low-scoring games hinge on timely saves in tight Atlantic battles.
Series History (2025-26 Season)
The teams have met twice this season, with Detroit leading 2-0:
- Jan. 5, 2026 (@ OTT): Red Wings 5-3
- Jan. 18, 2026 (@ DET): Red Wings 4-3 (OT)
Detroit has dominated recent meetings, winning both by multi-goal margins in regulation/OT. Ottawa seeks revenge at home in this third clash.
Betting Trends
- Senators: Strong as home favorites (-143 range); 4-2 SU in last 6 home games; total has gone OVER in 8 of Ottawa’s last 10 home vs. Detroit.
- Red Wings: Solid as road underdogs (+120); covered +1.5 reliably in recent losses; games trend toward manageable totals post-break.
- Head-to-head: Detroit 2-0 this season; overs hit in prior meetings.
- Post-Olympic break: Often elevated scoring early due to rust, but both teams play structured styles.
Game Odds
Detroit Red Wings 5.5
Ottawa Senators – 155
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, February 25, 2026
